"We have an ex-homeless actor who has just completed an 18-month contract with the Royal Shakespeare Company," says Adrian Jackson, director and founder of Cardboard Citizens, the only professional theatre company in the UK to work consistently with homeless and ex-homeless people.

Started 15 years ago, the London-based company offers participants an opportunity to get involved in weekly workshops to develop new skills, build confidence and integrate with the general public, while a few have trained to become professional actors, performing in Cardboard Citizens' own productions such as Visible.

"We wanted to work with a group where we could make a difference," says Adrian.

"The reality is that homelessness can happen to pretty much anyone. It only requires a few links of the chain to break for people to plummet downwards.

"Separation from a partner, loss of a loved one, loss of work, a bad health incident if two of those things come together it is surprisingly easy for someone's life to crumble quite quickly."

Written by theatre and radio dramatist Sarah Woods, Visible is a provocative, darkly comic drama, boldly challenging how we guard our "wealth" and our right to happiness.

In their mock-Georgian house on an exclusive estate, Rob and Hattie are preparing Sunday lunch for friends and neighbours - but things aren't going to plan.

Unexpected guests, a strange intervention and dark secrets explode into the surburban homestead, with shocking results.

"People can't usually tell who is formally trained and who is not," says Adrian.

"We have very high standards. We don't want anybody to make allowances. We're not interested in that at all."

Visible continues Cardboard Citizens' collaboration with the RSC, following their acclaimed co-production of Pericles in 2003. Visible premiered at the Contact Theatre in Manchester last week and tours to a further six venues, culminating with a two-week run at The Soho Theatre, London.

Starts 8pm. Tickets cost £12.50 and £10. Call 01273 68586